A car accident can be traumatic. Harm occurs during the accident, but the aftermath can be just as trying–especially if you decide to sue. Lawsuits take time, and they can be draining and stressful. In some cases, a year can pass by before you go to trial.
Suing after a car accident depends on the severity of your injuries and whether you are able to receive a settlement from the other driver or their insurance company. To fully analyze your options, you should meet with a Vermont car accident lawyer for a consultation to review your claim.
In the meantime, here are a few things to ask yourself:
Are My Injuries Serious?
If you win your lawsuit, you will receive compensation for any economic and non-economic losses caused by the accident. For example, you can receive compensation for:
- Medical care to treat your injuries (doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and devices like wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
- Lost wages, if you could not work as you recovered from the accident
- Repairs to your damaged car
You might also receive compensation for non-economic losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Take a look at how much money you have lost because of the crash. Did you spend just a couple hundred dollars on medical care and feel only temporary pain? If so, then pursuing a lawsuit is probably not worth the time and effort. However, if you have suffered significant economic and non-economic losses, then a lawsuit makes more sense.
How Are Negotiations Going?
Most car accident disputes never get to trial. Instead, you reach a settlement with the other driver or their insurance company.
These are the possible negotiation scenarios:
- You can submit a letter to the insurance carrier requesting compensation and providing proof of your losses. The insurance carrier might agree to a settlement, or they might reject your request for compensation.
- You may want to file a lawsuit before even starting negotiations. For example, Vermont law gives you only three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, otherwise, you forfeit your right to sue in the future. And if someone died in the accident, you get only two years to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. You might want to quickly file a lawsuit if the deadline is fast approaching.
- In other situations, it makes sense to negotiate first and only file a lawsuit if negotiations are not going as you hoped they would. Often, it is best to let a lawyer decide when to file a lawsuit. A lawyer can protect your rights and negotiate with an insurance carrier to maximize your compensation.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Suing after a car accident can be difficult, but the car accident lawyers at Sabbeth Law have decades of experience and are anxious to hear from you.
To schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys, please call 802-457-1112 or submit our contact form.